UFC president Dana White working on Conor McGregor’s return in 2021

Former UFC featherweight and lightweight world champion Conor McGregor will make his much-awaited return to the UFC next year, according to UFC president Dana White.

The Irish superstar tweeted in Tagalog last month leading fans to believe that he is hinting a showdown with eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.

White was quick to dismiss the hype following the tweet, as he stressed that McGregor is retired for 2020. The ex-two division MMA champ last saw action in January against Donald Cerrone where he won via technical knockout in the first round.

“We’re actually working on some fun stuff for Conor at the beginning of next year. He should be back next year,” said White.

McGregor made headlines this past weekend after he was arrested in Corsica for alleged attempted sexual assault and indecent exposure. He was released shortly after without charges while his spokesman vehemently denied the allegations on the MMA fighter.

And though a return to the UFC is in the works for 2021, White says that it may not even be for a fight inside the octagon.

“I’m not saying he’s coming back to fight guaranteed, but we’re talking right now about some stuff.” – JM Siasat/RC, GMA News